When judging sheep, the evaluation should begin from the ground and then working your way up, and then from the rear and working your way forward. The animals in the class should be ranked based on the traits of importance they possess, while putting the greatest emphasis on the most valuable traits in the production of sheep. Contestants should also eliminate any easy placings in the class, and place the remainder of the class based on the volume of the important traits.

Ranking of Traits

Ranking of Traits for Market Lambs

The ranking of traits in the order of their importance for market lamb judging is as follows:

1.Degree of muscling

2.Degree of finish

3.Balance and style

4.Frame size

5.Soundness and structural correctness

Ranking of Traits for Breeding Sheep

The ranking of traits in the order of their importance for judging breeding ewes is as follows:

1.Balance and style

2.Frame size

3.Soundness and structural correctness

4.Capacity or volume

5.Degree of muscling

6.Degree of leanness

7.Wool

For the Complete Instructions and Pictures on Steps to Judging Sheep Click here to go to the University of Kentucky - College of Agriculture